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Emily Gielnik has been ruled out of the Westfield Matildas’ 2018 Algarve Cup squad due to injury.

Prior to last night’s departure to Portugal, Gielnik was replaced in the squad by Western Sydney Wanderers FC forward Rachel Lowe.

Lowe could make her Westfield Matildas debut at the 2018 Algarve Cup, where Australia will meet Norway, China PR, and hosts Portugal in the group stage.

It is hoped that Gielnik will return to full fitness ahead of the Westfield Matildas’ participation in the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan.

The Westfield Matildas will play their 2018 Algarve Cup pool matches in the cities of Albufeira (two matches) and Algarve, before playing a fourth and final ranking match at the 12-team invitational tournament in a yet to be determined destination.

Following the 2018 Algarve Cup the Westfield Matildas will return to Australia where they will continue their preparations for the important 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Australia will play Japan, Korea Republic and Vietnam in Group B of the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The top five teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in France.